Clarington Public Library Offers Take-Out Service, Museum Moves to Virtual Research

In response to the Provincewide Shutdown announced in late December, Clarington Public Library is pleased to offer Take-Out Service at all four branch locations.

Though in-branch services, including computer access, are currently suspended, members can still place holds on physical items for contactless pickup and access the Library’s eCollection of eBooks, eAudio, eMagazines, eNewspapers, and research eResources 24/7.

Clarington Museums & Archives locations are closed to the public under Provincial Shutdown restrictions, but staff are still available to answer inquiries and provide research services. People can discover our community’s rich local history by contacting Museum staff and accessing virtual services for genealogy, teaching, analysis, publication, exhibition, and more.

“We will continue to support leisure and educational activities by providing access to as many services as possible,” explains Linda Kent, Clarington Public Library, Clarington Museums & Archives CEO. “Our physical locations may be closed to the public for the duration of the Provincial shutdown, but our staff are still available to provide assistance over the phone or through email.”

The Library has increased its virtual offerings, expanded its collections and improved access to digital service. New initiatives include offering mobile hotspots available for loan and access to eNewspapers and eMagazines through a new service called PressReader. PressReader provides access to over 7,000 Canadian, American, and International newspapers and magazines, including the Toronto Star, National Post, and the Toronto Sun, with no access or download limits.

Borrow by Mail is also available for eligible Library members. The initiative is designed to connect vulnerable community members with Library materials through a home delivery service via postal mail. The Borrow by Mail service is supported by the Government of Canada's Emergency Community Support Fund and Durham Community Foundation.

For more information about any of the Library’s resources or services, please visit the Library’s website at www.clarington-library.on.ca, or contact Member Services at info@claringtonlibrary.on.ca or 905-623-7322 ext. 2712. For more information about virtual research services, please visit the Museum’s website at www.claringtonmuseums.com, or contact Museum staff at info@claringtonmuseums.com or 905-623-2734.